Soils are a cornerstone of our natural capital. They deliver a wide range of ecosystem services, from food production and clean water to biodiversity and climate regulation, and are therefore crucial for both nature and humanity. Yet 60-70% of EU soils are not in a healthy state, as defined in the context of the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” under Horizon Europe. The causes are unsustainable use and poor management, compounded by the lack of an EU-wide soil policy to protect and restore soils.